So... your grandmother really did know best. How often did she say that a teaspoon of honey before going to bed would ease a child's cough and help them sleep soundly. Research now shows that children aged between 1 and 5 suffering a throat infection coughed less and slept better after taking 10gm honey before bed.The thinking is that sweet substances of any kind help soothe the back of the throat and break up mucus in the airways. Honey is also known to have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties making it a better alternative to cough syrups. (Pediatrics Journal)

Take note: Honey should not be given to children under 12 months because in rare cases it can cause infantile botulism.